Worse still the Priest who is marrying them the next day has been dragged along on the stag do with them and he is now flat on the pavement blind drunk looking at the doll and Mark and convinced he’s been sent to Hell! Then the police arrive and arrest Mark! That’s just the end of Act One and we haven’t even had the wedding ceremony yet let alone the reception! That’s when the families have to get along with each other and who invited the Priest and gave him a full bottle to drink from?

Add to that an increasingly drunk Grandad who can’t keep his mouth shut about Mark’s mum’s former love life and who also seems to know her a bit too well himself, rampant snobbery and the blow up adult size rubber doll that talks (“Ooooh you are a big boy!”) and you have the brilliantly funny play ‘Fur Coat and no Knickers’ by Mike Harding (known as The Rochdale Cowboy). When someone made the first sign that said, ‘Just Married’ they never knew how well it would apply to Mark and Deidre with ‘Just’ being the operative word!

The last time Courts performed this play it proved to be one of the most popular plays they had ever produced so tickets are already going fast. To book your tickets please call the box office on 08453 005264 for Fur Coat and No Knickers, Feb 9th -11th 2012 at the Thameside Theatre Grays. Tickets are already selling fast so get yours as soon as you can.

Although the keen wit of the script itself is funny on its own, bringing it to life is a challenging task and one that Thurrock Courts Players are approaching with energy and enthusiasm.

Director Mike Jones is delighted with the way rehearsals are progressing and pays credit to his hard working cast. ” This play is wonderfully written and gives the cast every opportunity to portray their character to the limit. We are now starting to rehearse the scenes which include food which is always tricky. Audiences are going to love this play and I know that they will go home at the end of the show having enjoyed their evening”

The play takes us through the story of Deirdre Ollerenshaw and Mark Greenhalgh’s wedding. Deirdre Ollerenshaw is from a working class background whilst Mark’s father is a wealthy businessman and councillor. The interplay within the Ollerenshaw family is highly amusing even before the introduction of the Greenhalgh family further stirs things as both families feign amicability whilst bad-mouthing each other whilst backs are turned.

In particular Deidre?s brother Peter an unpublished poet and part time anarchist enjoys taunting his father an ex-military man who believes in discipline and respect for authority. The disastrous drunken exploits of Mark’s stag night and Peter, the anarchist’

Author Mike Harding

Tickets are already selling fast and when Courts Players produced this play many years ago it remains as one of the company’s best selling shows.
The show runs at the Thameside from Febuary 9th -11th 2012

Box Office is 08453005264

The reality TV star had been missing from the pantomime Aladdin since the latter part of last week.

Staff were hoping that the popular star from Wickford who has gone on to appear on Channel 4′s Coach Trip and Harry Hill’s TV Burp on ITV would return today but it was not to be.

Brian had been the life and soul of the panto, which has garnered rave reviews and had made several references to it on his twitter account, an account in which he has over 100,000 followers. But there have been no comments since December 16th.

A Thurrock Council spokesperson said: Brian Belo has left the production for personal reasons.”

DYNAMIC, ultra-professional, engaging, warm, funny, great value for money and something for everyone. That’s the verdict of this years pantomime at the Thameside Theatre.

This is the first time, Polka Dot Productions have put a show on at the Thameside and Aladdin does not disappoint.

The first thing I noticed was how the producers had used the whole auditorium; decorating the sides of the theatre.

For the first time, special effects play a very important part of the Thameside pantomime. The opening backdrop and image are very effective as well as a show stopping scene in which Aladdin and the princess duet.

One of the highlights of the show is the singing of Slave of the Ring, Shona Damms. Shona is not only affable as a TOWIE-alike slave but can really belt out a number.

But the real glue that sticks the panto together is former EastEnders star, Dean Gaffney. One thought he would be a little detached but he really really warms into the role of Wishee Washee and is the star of the second half.

Dean just keeps the tempo going, interacts with the audience, judges the pace and basically brings the whole show home.

As for winner of Big Brother, 2007, Brian Belo. It is a while before you see him as the Genie of the Ring and the first song is a little confusing but he soon relaxes and is at his best as part of the ensemble where he works really well.

He is really engaging personality and that comes over on the stage.

And the key is that this is a real team who drive the panto forward. Princess Jasmine played by Performers College student, Madeleine Stephens radiates from the stage, is a fine singer and has an indefinable presence.

Aladdin played by Gareth Mitchell is similar in that he has a charismatic presence to the role, that has the audience rooting for him.

Wain Douglas as Widow Twankey has real Frankie Howard “Titter Ye Not” sense of humour as well as some outstanding outfits. Indeed, there are a lot of costume changes and they all work seamlessly.

Ababazar played by Darren Tough is a wonderfully sinister character as he creeps and plots across the stage, giving the children every opportunity to boo and hiss.

The audience loved it. There were all ages at the evening show and they felt thoroughly entertained.

And this was the third show of the day for the cast but they were bursting with energy and such vigour was really appreciated by the crowd.

This is a pantomime where you can see that it has been a real team effort and that means backstage, in the box office and all the management.

The cast of Aladdin enjoyed a whirlwind shopping trip around Thurrock on Saturday. They visited Sainsburys Chafford Hundred, where they shopped for chocolates, helped pack shopping bags and entertained the crowds before they were whisked off in a golden limo to Partyman World in Lakeside and then into Lakeside itself! They met lots of people along the way and posed for photos with the shoppers and did some shopping for themselves – Widow Twankey could not believe all the goodies she found and has already asked for a return visit!

Tickets for Aladdin are selling fast, so our advice would be to book yours now to get the best seats in the house! To book your tickets you can telephone us on 0845 300 5264 or you can pop along to the theatre and book your tickets with our helpful Box Office staff. The Box Office is open 10.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday and on Saturdays 10am to 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 5.00pm. Alternatively, you can go on-line at www.thurrock.gov.uk/theatre any time of the day or night, where you can purchase up to 9 tickets.

Energy a community youth group are hosting the event and raising funds for Little Havens as well

Curtain up at 7.30 at its just £3 to get in.

The show is in its 35th year and Vera continues to put her heart and soul into the show.

From very young ones just learning their first pieces to artists such as Charlotte Dawson who have now appeared on much bigger stages. They all get to appear.

The show would not go on without the support of the Mardyke Valley Rotary Club.

In the audience was deputy leader of Thurrock Council, Val Morris-Cook who said: “I loved the show and I applaud all the work that Vera puts in.

“If you come year in and year out, you see artists develop and grow.”

This piece features an interview with Vera plus the music of Charlotte Dawson and Karl Griffin.

He said “I would thoroughly recommend the Garden Restaurant at the Orsett Hall for breakfast, lunch or dinner or all three!! The restaurant is open to non-residents and the food is out of this world with its modern British Cuisine served with a Mediterranean twist!’

Aladdin and Wishee Washee have asked Widow Twankey for some gift vouchers to use in the Cocktail Bar and Bistro as being open all day, they too can pop along between their performances.

Tickets for Aladdin are selling fast, so our advice would be to book yours now to get the best seats in the house! To book your tickets you can telephone us on 0845 300 5264 or you can pop along to the theatre and book your tickets with our helpful Box Office staff. The Box Office is open 10.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday and on Saturdays 10am to 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 5.00pm. Alternatively, you can go on-line at www.thurrock.gov.uk/theatre any time of the day or night, where you can purchase up to 9 tickets.

For more information about The Garden Restaurant at the Orsett Hall, visit their website www.orsetthall.co.uk or call Tel: 01375 891402 for more information and bookings.

Aladdin will be produced by Polka Dot Pantomimes this year – who are well known for their incredible production values and high standards. There will be new scenery, new costumes, new faces in our all star cast and plenty of audience participation that will keep audiences of all ages entertained and amused. The Thameside Panto is a real story with real characters – not just a string of variety acts. Aladdin is a classic story that children will know from various film and television versions. There will be some fantastic singing and dancing and a large dose of comedy, sparkle, magic and spectacle thrown in for good measure!!

In a hidden cave close to Peking lies a lamp of magic and wonder. Within the lamp lives a Genie who can make unimaginable dreams come true. Abanazar is an evil magician who wants to use the lamp to make him ruler of the universe – but he cannot open the cave as it can only be opened by a boy of good virtue – Aladdin!

Widow Twankey and her other son, Wishee Washee work in their laundry whilst the Emperor of China and his daughter Princess Jasmine are desperately trying to find her a worthy suitor. Aladdin wants to be that suitor and embarks on an adventure so that he can claim his bride.

Will Abanazar thwart his plans and steal the Princess for himself? Will Aladdin be able to find the lamp and make his dreams come true? Will Widow Twankey be destined to a life as a washer woman and will Wishee Washee ever do a full days work? Grab your seat for an adventure of a lifetime and a magic carpet ride that will leave you shouting for more!

Note from the Director, Darren Maddison

A Pantomime at the Thameside Theatre is a wonderful experience for the whole family – and the entire team at Polka Dot are thrilled to be presenting this year’s spectacular production of Aladdin. I am delighted to be returning to Grays as I performed in pantomime here for seven years alongside the great Damian Williams, who taught me many skills and helped me immensely in the art of pantomime.

You will see assembled on stage a wonderful cast of West End performers and we are particularly pleased to welcome Dean Gaffney and Brian Belo to the Thameside Theatre. Dean is best known for his many years in Eastenders but is also an extremely accomplished stage actor and is well versed in pantomime. Brian is bound to leave audiences rolling with laughter with his boundless energy and Essex humour as the irreprrssible Genie of the Bling. We also auditioned over 75 children from the local area who danced and sang their hearts out to gain one of the 24 places in our chorus teams. They will be joined by graduating students from Performers College as our professional dancers, who will wow audiences with their dancing prowess.

This year’s production will be the most spectacular ever staged at the Thameside Theatre as we have built a brand new set, created amazing special effects and made dazzling new costumes. We have also written a brand new script which includes lots of laughs, a great storyline and plenty of audience participation.

I would like to thank the technical staff at the Thameside who have already surpassed all expectations to ensure that Aladdin will include the latest lighting techniques and be a visual spectacle. Our thanks also go to Mark Allinson and his dedicated staff that are all working hard to ensure that this pantomime runs smoothly and ensure that every customer has an enjoyable experience when they visit the theatre.

Finally, I would like to thank the people of Thurrock for once again choosing to support their local theatre. In difficult financial times we really appreciate everyone choosing to spend an afternoon or evening with us. For those who haven’t yet booked tickets we have extended the early bird offer until November 2011 – so book now to guarantee your seat on a magic carpet ride of a lifetime! Book now to avoid disappointment and get the best seats in the house.

To book your tickets you can telephone us on Tel: 0845 300 5264 or you can pop along to the theatre and book your tickets with our helpful Box Office staff. The Box Office is open 10.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday and on Saturdays 10am to 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 5.00pm. Alternatively, you can go on-line at www.thurrock.gov.uk/theatre any time of the day or night, where you can purchase up to 9 tickets.

Cast

Wishee Washee Dean Gaffney

Genie of the Bling Brian Belo

Widow Twankey Wain Douglas

Aladdin Gareth Mitchell

Princess Jasmine Madeline Stephens

Emperor of China Jeff Crossland

Slave of the Ring Shonna Damms

Abanazar Darren Tough

Dancers Hayley Murray

Sharnie Billingsey

Jack Brookfield

Lewis Calcutt

Run Time

2 hours 15 minutes with interval.

A great mix of diverse groups performed on the stage in a delightful display in front of the mayor, cllr Charles Curtis as well as a large number of dignitaries.

In this clip, the Aveley and Newham Brass Band , Golden Voices and poems composed by the Thurrock Writers Circle and read out by the Thurrock Courts Players.

YT popped in on Friday to speak to the director Stuart Mullins about how rehearsals were going but also where they go from here.

TRUST are now ten years old and so they were in great mood to celebrate.

The Deputy Mayor was on hand to open proceedings and well done to Thurrock Council equality officer, Samson De’Alyn who stepped in as MC at the very last minute

The highlight for us were the Zambian dancers especially the little one who stole the show (3.35 if you want to skip!).